Compact Multifunctional Battery Booster

ABSTRACT

A compact battery charger for charging a battery comprising: a microprocessor; a set of terminals operatively coupled to said microprocessor and configured to electrically couple with an automotive battery; and an internal lithium ion battery, wherein the internal lithium ion battery is a lithium ion battery, wherein a single-ended primary-inductor converter may be configured to receive an input voltage of 5 VDC to 20 VDC and output a predetermined DC charge voltage to said internal lithium ion battery.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/037,379 by Brian F. Butler et al., filed on Aug. 14, 2014 andentitled “Compact Multifunctional Battery Booster.” U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/037,379 is hereby incorporated by reference inits entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a portable battery booster system andapparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to systems,methods, and apparatuses for providing a compact multifunctional batterybooster and charger.

BACKGROUND

It is well known that motorists from time to time find themselves with abattery of insufficient charge to start their vehicle. This is generallyan occasion of extreme inconvenience and distress, particularly whereone finds himself in this situation in an area where there are othervehicles and drivers, but no means for connecting the battery of thedisabled vehicle to the battery of one of the other available vehicles.To remedy this, battery boosters were developed to jump start strandedcars. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,079,304 discloses a battery boostersystem for jump starting an engine of a vehicle with a defective (ordepleted) battery and interconnecting the same with a vehicle having acharged battery. Similarly, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2014/0159509discloses a portable battery boost and jump starter apparatus forcharging a vehicle battery. Typically, such battery booster systems relyon an internal lead acid battery, which is typically large, heavy, andcumbersome. Despite the advancements thus far, a need exists for animproved compact multifunctional battery booster, and, moreparticularly, to an improved lithium ion battery booster.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure is directed to an improved compactmultifunctional battery booster and charger, and, more particularly, toan improved lithium ion battery booster and charger.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a compact batterybooster comprises: a processor; a display device operatively coupled tothe processor, wherein the display device displays a status of thecompact battery booster; a storage capacitor and an internal lithium ionbattery, each of said storage capacitor and said internal lithium ionbattery configured to provide a boosting energy to a vehicle coupled toan external battery; a direct current (DC) output terminal configured toelectrically couple with the external battery; a single-endedprimary-inductor converter configured to receive a variable inputvoltage between 5 volts DC and 20 volts DC and to output a predeterminedoutput voltage to said storage capacitor and said internal lithium ionbattery; and a power management circuit operatively coupled to theprocessor, the power management circuit configured to electricallycouple the DC output terminal with said storage capacitor or saidinternal lithium ion battery, thereby providing the boosting energy fromsaid storage capacitor or said internal lithium ion battery to saidvehicle.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a compact batterycharger comprises: a processor; a display device operatively coupled tothe processor, wherein the display device displays a status of thecompact battery charger; an internal lithium ion battery, said internallithium ion battery configured to provide a predetermined output energy;a direct current (DC) output terminal, wherein the DC output terminal isconfigured to couple with an external battery; a single-endedprimary-inductor converter configured to receive an input voltage withinpredetermined input voltage range and to output a predetermined chargevoltage to said internal lithium ion battery; and a power managementcircuit operatively coupled to the processor, the power managementcircuit configured to electrically couple the DC output terminal withsaid internal lithium ion battery, thereby providing the predeterminedoutput energy from said internal lithium ion battery to said externalbattery.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a compact batterycharger comprises: an internal lithium ion battery, said internallithium ion battery configured to provide a predetermined output energy;a direct current (DC) output terminal, wherein the DC output terminal isconfigured to couple with an external battery; an internal inductioncoil, wherein the internal induction coil receives energy from anelectromagnetic field created by an external induction coil and convertsthe electromagnetic field to produce an input voltage; a DC to DCconverter that receives the input voltage and outputs a predeterminedoutput voltage to said internal lithium ion battery; and a powermanagement circuit operatively coupled to the processor, the powermanagement circuit configured to electrically couple the DC outputterminal with said internal lithium ion battery, thereby providing thepredetermined output energy from said internal lithium ion battery tosaid external battery.

In certain aspects, the storage capacitor is a supercapacitor.

In certain aspects, the storage capacitor draws a charging current fromthe external battery.

In certain aspects, the device further comprises a supercapacitor,wherein the single-ended primary-inductor converter charges thesupercapacitor.

In certain aspects, the device further comprises a supercapacitor,wherein the supercapacitor draws current from the external battery tocharge the supercapacitor.

In certain aspects, the predetermined input voltage range is 5 volts to20 volts.

In certain aspects, the predetermined charge voltage is greater than theinput voltage.

In certain aspects, the predetermined output energy is a boosting energyfor starting an engine coupled to the external battery.

In certain aspects, the predetermined output energy is a charging energyfor charging the external battery.

In certain aspects, the device further comprises (1) a reverse polaritysensor configured to detect a polarity of the external battery; (2) atemperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of said internallithium ion battery and to provide a temperature signal to saidprocessor; and (3) a voltage sensor configured to detect a voltage ofsaid internal lithium ion battery.

In certain aspects, the device further comprises a removable internaldata storage device.

In certain aspects, the device further comprises an internal inductioncoil, wherein the internal induction coil receives energy from anelectromagnetic field created by an external induction coil and convertsthe electromagnetic field to produce the input voltage.

In certain aspects, the device further comprises a second DC outputterminal, wherein the DC output terminal provides a boosting energy forstarting an engine coupled to the external battery, and wherein thesecond DC output terminal provides a charging energy to a portableelectronic device.

In certain aspects, the second DC output terminal is a Universal SerialBus (USB) port.

In certain aspects, the display device enters into a sleep mode after apredetermined time period of inactivity.

In certain aspects, the DC output terminal runs a predetermined currentthrough the external battery to preheat the external battery.

In certain aspects, the device further comprises a DC to alternatingcurrent (AC) converter coupled between the internal lithium ion batteryand an AC output terminal.

In certain aspects, the device further comprises an internal datastorage device, wherein the internal data storage device backs updigital content stored to a portable electronic device via a USB port.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other advantages of the present invention will be readilyunderstood with reference to the following specifications and attacheddrawings wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary compact battery charger block diagramconfigured for use with a battery charging system.

FIG. 2 illustrates a flow diagram of an example method for providing thejump start function using a compact battery charger.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example schematic diagram of a charger having asingle-ended primary-inductor converter circuit and a supercapacitor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be describedhereinbelow with reference to the accompanying drawings. In thefollowing description, well-known functions or constructions are notdescribed in detail because they may obscure the invention inunnecessary detail. The present invention relates to a compact batterycharger system, method, and apparatus. For this disclosure, thefollowing terms and definitions shall apply:

As used herein, the word “exemplary” means “serving as an example,instance, or illustration.” The embodiments described herein are notlimiting, but rather are exemplary only. It should be understood thatthe described embodiments are not necessarily to be construed aspreferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Moreover, the terms“embodiments of the invention,” “embodiments,” or “invention” do notrequire that all embodiments of the invention include the discussedfeature, advantage, or mode of operation.

The terms “communicate” and “communicating” as used herein, include bothconveying data from a source to a destination and delivering data to acommunications medium, system, channel, network, device, wire, cable,fiber, circuit, and/or link to be conveyed to a destination. The term“communication” as used herein means data so conveyed or delivered. Theterm “communications” as used herein includes one or more of acommunications medium, system, channel, network, device, wire, cable,fiber, circuit, and/or link.

The terms “coupled,” “coupled to,” and “coupled with” as used herein,each mean a relationship between or among two or more devices,apparatuses, files, circuits, elements, functions, operations,processes, programs, media, components, networks, systems, subsystems,and/or means, constituting any one or more of: (i) a connection, whetherdirect or through one or more other devices, apparatuses, files,circuits, elements, functions, operations, processes, programs, media,components, networks, systems, subsystems, or means; (ii) acommunications relationship, whether direct or through one or more otherdevices, apparatuses, files, circuits, elements, functions, operations,processes, programs, media, components, networks, systems, subsystems,or means; and/or (iii) a functional relationship in which the operationof any one or more devices, apparatuses, files, circuits, elements,functions, operations, processes, programs, media, components, networks,systems, subsystems, or means depends, in whole or in part, on theoperation of any one or more others thereof.

The term “data” as used herein means any indicia, signals, marks,symbols, domains, symbol sets, representations, and any other physicalform or forms representing information, whether permanent or temporary,whether visible, audible, acoustic, electric, magnetic, electromagnetic,or otherwise manifested. The term “data” is used to representpredetermined information in one physical form, encompassing any and allrepresentations of corresponding information in a different physicalform or forms.

The term “database” as used herein means an organized body of relateddata, regardless of the manner in which the data or the organized bodythereof is represented. For example, the organized body of related datamay be in the form of one or more of a table, map, grid, packet,datagram, frame, file, email, message, document, report, list, or anyother form.

The term “network” as used herein includes both networks andinter-networks of all kinds, including the Internet, and is not limitedto any particular network or inter-network.

The term “processor” as used herein means processing devices,apparatuses, programs, circuits, components, systems, and subsystems,whether implemented in hardware, tangibly embodied software, or both,and whether or not it is programmable. The term “processor” as usedherein includes, but is not limited to, one or more computing devices,hardwired circuits, signal-modifying devices and systems, devices andmachines for controlling systems, central processing units, programmabledevices and systems, field-programmable gate arrays,application-specific integrated circuits, systems on a chip, systemscomprising discrete elements and/or circuits, state machines, virtualmachines, data processors, processing facilities, and combinations ofany of the foregoing.

A compact battery charger 102, as disclosed herein, may be used to start(a/k/a “boost”, “jump”, or “jump start”) an engine coupled to anexternal battery 104 (e.g., a 6V/12V nominal voltage vehicular battery,which may be fully or partially depleted). In certain aspects, thecompact battery charger 102 may be further configured to charge theexternal battery 104, and/or other electronic devices operativelycoupled with the compact battery charger 102. Example vehicularbatteries include, without limitation, lead-acid batteries (e.g.,wet/flooded batteries, calcium-calcium batteries, Valve-Regulated, LeadAcid (VRLA) batteries, gel cell, and Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM)) and otherrechargeable batteries (e.g., lithium ion, lithium ion polymer,Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH), Nickel Cadmium (NiCd)). Other electronicdevices that may be operatively coupled with the compact battery charger102 include, for example, portable electronic devices 152 (e.g., phones,tablet computers, portable computers, etc.), toys, etc.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an example compact battery charger102. Specifically, FIG. 1 illustrates a compact battery charger 102having a processor 128 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)) that isoperatively coupled to a Read-Only Memory (ROM) 118 for receiving one ormore instruction sets, to a Random Access Memory (RAM) 120 having aplurality of buffers for temporarily storing and retrieving information,and to an internal data storage device 122 (e.g., a hard drive, such asolid state drive, or other non-volatile data storage device, such asflash memory). A clock 130 is also coupled to the processor 128 forproviding clock or timing signals or pulses thereto. Those skilled inthe art will understand that the compact battery charger 102 includesone or more bus structures for interconnecting its various components.Further, to increase ease of use in mobile applications, the variouscomponents of a compact battery charger 102 may be housed in a singlehousing. In certain aspects, multiple processors 128 may be provided tofacilitate operation of the compact battery charger 102, whether or notembodied within the compact battery charger 102 itself. Accordingly,serial communication may be employed to communicate information and databetween multiple processors that may be used.

The internal battery 150 may be a rechargeable lithium ion battery foroutputting a direct current (DC) voltage, such as lithium iron phosphateand lithium ion polymer batteries. The internal battery 150 should besufficiently rated to boost (jump start) a vehicle coupled to anexternal battery 104. For example, the internal battery 150 may be ratedfrom about 3,000 mah to 20,000 mah, or higher. A compact battery charger102 having a 12,000 mah internal battery 150, for instance, may output200 cranking amps/400 peak amps during the jump start function, which issufficient to start a vehicle, but higher power internal batteries arecontemplated for larger vehicles and trucks. In certain embodiments, theinternal battery 150 may comprise a plurality of electrically coupledbatteries (e.g., connected in parallel, or when multiple lower voltagebatteries are to be summed, in series). For example, lithium ionbatteries containing LiFePO, LiFePO₄, LiFeMgPO₄, and LiFeYPO₄ have anominal cell voltage of about 3.2V to 3.3V each. Thus, internal battery150 need not be limited to a single battery or single battery cell.Accordingly, four lithium ion cells may be connected in series toachieve a nominal voltage of 12.8V to 13.2V. To the extent that a highernominal voltage is desired, additional lithium ion cells may beconnected in series to achieve higher voltages.

The compact battery charger 102 may receive external power via a directcurrent (DC) input terminal 154 coupled to a DC power supply 156 and/oran alternating current (AC) input terminal 134 coupled to an AC powersupply 148. AC power supply 148 may be wall current (e.g., 110 VAC),while the DC power supply 156 may be, for example, an automotivecigarette lighter (e.g., 12 VDC) or a USB port (i.e., 5 VDC). Thecompact battery charger 102 may provide a plurality of DC outputs 136 tofacilitate charging energy (e.g., to external battery 104 or one or moreportable electronic devices 152) or boosting energy (e.g., to avehicle/external battery 104). In certain aspects, such as when a USBPort or 12V port is used, a DC connector may be used for both DC inputterminal 154 and DC output terminal 136. That is, the compact batterycharger 102 may draw power from a device coupled to the DC connector(functioning as a DC input terminal 154), or supply power to the devicecoupled to the DC connector (functioning as a DC output terminal 136).To convert the AC power supply 148, an AC to DC transformer may beprovided, which may be integral with, or external to, the compactbattery charger 102. An AC to DC transformer may removably coupled towall current and removably coupled to the compact battery charger 102.In certain aspects, a power inverter and AC output terminal may beprovided to output an AC voltage (e.g., a 110 VAC output). In such anembodiment, power from the DC power supply 156 or the internal battery150 may be processed (e.g., using a DC to AC inverter) and used tosupply the AC voltage to the AC output terminal.

In operation, when the AC power supply 148 or DC power supply 156 isunavailable (e.g., disconnected, out of service, when a circuit breakeris blown, the compact battery charger 102 is otherwise disconnected,etc.), the compact battery charger 102 may draw the power needed tooperate the compact battery charger 102's components from the externalbattery 104 and/or internal battery 150, thereby enabling the user todetermine the status of the compact battery charger 102 (and state ofcharge, or other parameters, of the external battery 104) when the ACpower supply 148 and the DC power supply 156. To that end, the compactbattery charger 102 may report a power supply failure (e.g., as analert) to one or more portable electronic devices 152 (e.g., phones,tablet computers, portable computers, or other handheld terminals)within a battery monitoring system via a communication network. Asuitable example battery monitoring system is disclosed by commonlyowned U.S. patent Ser. No. 14/826,747 by Brian F. Butler et al, filedAug. 14, 2015 and titled “Battery Charger Status Control System AndMethod.”

The battery charging method or technique can be any of a variety ofcharging techniques including conventional, fast charging, and the like.The compact battery charger 102 may be further configured to determine,automatically, different battery chemistry (e.g., AGM, gel, lithium ion,etc.) and the battery's nominal voltage. The charging characteristics ofa battery charger may be configured to match the battery chemistry ofthe battery to be charged. For example, lead acid batteries may becharged with constant power, constant current, constant voltage, orcombination thereof. Such batteries are known to be charged with bothlinear as well as switched-mode battery chargers. U.S. Pat. No.7,808,211, assigned to the same assignee as the assignee of the presentinvention, discloses an example of a switched-mode battery charger forautomotive and marine battery applications. Further, commonly owned U.S.Pat. No. 8,947,054 discloses a battery charger and method utilizingalternating DC charging current, while commonly owned U.S. Pat. No.8,575,899 discloses a battery charger with automatic voltage detection.

The identified battery chemistry and voltage may be displayed on displaydevice 114. The compact battery charger 102 may indicate to the user(e.g., via display device 114) the number of ampere hours put intobattery, and/or an indication of the state of health of the externalbattery 104. For example, if customer inputs a battery size/modelnumber, the compact battery charger 102 can use the battery capacity toprovide the state of health. The compact battery charger 102 mayindicate to the user the state of charge or health of the internalbattery 150 (e.g., the number of coulombs) via display device 114.

The compact battery charger 102 may further include an input/outputinterface 126 that interfaces the processor 128 with one or moreperipheral and/or communicative devices, such as a user interface 138, aGlobal Positioning System (GPS) transmitter 140, a wired link 142, awireless device 144, a microphone 158, and a speaker 124, which may beused to signal an alert (e.g., charge complete, error, etc.) or otherstatus information.

As illustrated, the processor 128 may be operatively coupled to adisplay device 114 via a display driver 116. The display device 114 maycomprise, or otherwise employ, one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs)and/or a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen. The LCD screen may be analphanumeric segmented LCD display, or a matrix LCD display, such asthose used on portable electronic devices. In certain embodiments, theLCD screen may further provide touch screen functionality to facilitateuser input device via a thin layer of sensing circuitry present eitherbeneath the visible portion of display device 114's surface, or as partof a thin, clear membrane overlying the display device 114 that issensitive to the position of a pen or finger on its surface. Inoperation, the display driver 116 may receive display data from theprocessor 128 via input/output interface 126 and display that displaydata via the display device 114. For example, interactive display device114 may be provided on the housing to provide the user with statusinformation and/or input capability (e.g., via a touch screen or voicecommands using, for example, wave files). Reminders, or otherinformation (e.g., status information), may be displayed to the user,via the display device 114, as a scrolling message or menu structure(e.g., a graphical user interface (GUI)).

With regard to the internal data storage device 122, example flashmemory devices include, for example, memory cards, such as RS-MMC,miniSD, microSD, etc. The internal data storage device 122 can functionas an external hard drive or flash drive, thereby enabling the user tostore digital files to the compact battery charger 102. In instanceswhere the internal data storage device 122 is removable, as is the casewith memory cards, the user can interchange, upgrade, or remove thememory card (e.g., if the compact battery charger 102 becomes defective)to avoid data loss. The display device 114 may be used to display, forexample, the contents of the internal data storage device 122, theremaining storage capacity (e.g., as a percentage or in terms ofavailable bytes), and, in certain aspects, the digital files themselves(e.g., photos may be displayed, files accessed, etc.). In certainaspects, in addition to (or in lieu of) charging a portable electronicdevice (e.g., a smart phone), the compact battery charger 102 may backup digital content stored to the portable electronic device 152 when theportable electronic device 152 is coupled to the compact battery charger102 via, for example, the USB port.

When an external battery 104 is connected to DC output terminal 136(e.g., via clamps), the display device 114 may display the externalbattery 104's voltage. The display device 114 may also indicate thestate of charge in terms of percent of charge of the jump starter'sinternal battery 150. During user inactivity, such as when charging theexternal battery 104 or the internal battery 150, the display device 114may enter a sleep mode and will not display any messages until activityis detected (e.g., when devices are connected/disconnected from thecompact battery charger 102 or the user interface 138 is actuated). Asdiscussed below, if the external battery 104's voltage is too low todetect, the display device 114 may remain blank and the voltage will notdisplay, but a manual start procedure may be selected to enable the jumpstart function. The jump start function may be used to start a vehiclehaving an external battery 104 (e.g., a depleted automotive battery).The jump start function causes the compact battery charger 102 to outputabout 400-600 peak amperes (270-405 cranking amperes) via clamps coupledto the DC output terminal 136. One of skill in the art, however, wouldrecognize that the internal battery 150 may be replaced with a highercapacity battery to facilitate higher output currents.

In one example, once an AC power supply 148 is connected, a first LEDmay be illuminated to indicate that the compact battery charger 102'sinternal battery 150 is charging. When the compact battery charger 102is fully charged, a second LED on the unit may be illuminated. Finally,when the DC output terminal 136 is successfully coupled (e.g., clampedor otherwise electrically coupled) to external battery 104, a third LEDmay be illuminated. Rather than employing separate LEDs, an LCD displayor a single multi-color LED may be employed that changes color dependingon the status of the compact battery charger 102. The compact batterycharger 102 may be further equipped with a light, which functions as amap light, flash light, emergency light, etc. The light may be activatedand deactivated via user interface 138. The light may be an LED thatoutputs, for example, about 1 Watt/90 Lm.

When an LCD display is employed, the display device 114 may beconfigured to display, in addition to, or in lieu of, the LEDs, a numberof messages to indicate the current status, or operation of the compactbattery charger 102 to the user. In selecting the message(s) to display,the compact battery charger 102 measures one or more parameters of theinternal battery 150, external battery 104, or of the compact batterycharger 102. Parameters include, for example, voltage, power capacity,temperature, connection status, etc. Example messages include thoseillustrated in Table A, where “[XX]” represents a measured or calculatedvalue.

TABLE A Message Status/Condition Charging [XX]% Coupled to AC powersupply 148 or DC power supply 156 and internal battery 150 is charging.Fully Charged Coupled to AC power supply 148 and internal battery 150 isfully charged. Battery Too Hot To Charge Disconnect from AC power supply148 or DC power supply 156 and allow internal battery 150 to cool downbefore charging. Battery Too Cold To Charge The temperature of theinternal battery 150 is too low. Charging - USB On The USB port is inuse while the internal battery 150 is charging. Charging - 12 V On The12 V port is in use while the internal battery 150 is charging. FullyCharged - USB On The internal battery 150 is fully charged and the USBport is in use. Fully Charged - 12 V On The internal battery 150 isfully charged and the 12 V port is in use. Unplug Charger Attempting touse the jump starter function while the internal battery 150 ischarging. Charge Aborted Charging cannot be completed normally. Battery[XX]% - USB On The USB port is in use. The percentage shows the internalbattery 150's charge. Battery [XX]% - 12 V On The 12 V port is in use.12 V/USB Overload The 12 V/USB port is overloaded. Battery Low -Recharge While using the 12 V/USB port, the internal battery 150'svoltage has dropped. The 12 V/USB power will shut off after 10 minutes.Battery [XX]% - Clamps The compact battery charger 102 is turned on, butdoes not Disconnected detect external battery 104. Warning - ReversePolarity The DC output terminal 136 is connected backwards to anexternal battery 104 (i.g., reverse polarity). Battery Low-Recharge Thejump start function button has been selected, but the internal battery150 has discharged below a predetermined level. Turn Off 12 V/USB Thejump start function button has been selected, but 12 V/USB function isactivated. Off The jump start button has been pressed twice. Battery TooHot The internal temperature of the internal battery 150 is too warm.Allow internal battery 150 to cool down before attempting another jumpstart. Jump Start Ready - Battery The temperature of the internalbattery 150 is too low, which Cold: Reduced Performance reduces crankingperformance. Jump Start Ready The jump start button has been pressed,compact battery charger 102 is correctly connected to a vehicle battery,and the compact battery charger 102 is ready for jump start function.Battery Cool Down - [XX] Shows waiting time needed before attemptinganother engine Seconds Remaining start.

The user interface 138 may be used to enable the user to switch theoutput charge amperage (e.g., 1 A, 10 A, 50 A, 100 A, etc.) or anothersetting (e.g., charge, boost, other). Example user interface 138 devicesmay include, for example, physical buttons, physical switches, adigitizer (whether a touch pad, or transparent layer overlaying thedisplay device 114), voice command (e.g. via the microphone 158 andspeaker 124), and other input devices. For instance, using thedigitizer, a user may control or interact with the compact batterycharger 102 by writing or tapping on the display device 114 using, apen, stylus, or finger.

The GPS transmitter 140 may be used to track and/or monitor the locationof the compact battery charger 102 and to relay the location informationin the form of positional data (e.g., geographic coordinate system dataor Internet Protocol (IP) address) to a booster management server oranother device in battery charging system or via a communicationnetwork. For example, a computer may be configured to track theactivities, location, and/or charge history of a particular compactbattery charger 102 in a battery charging system. The positional datamay also be locally stored to the compact battery charger 102 (e.g., tointernal data storage device 122).

The wireless device 144 may be configured to manage communication and/ortransmission of signals or data between the processor 128 and anotherdevice (e.g., a remote interface device via a communication network ordirectly with a remote interface device) by way of a wirelesstransceiver. The wireless device 144 may be a wireless transceiverconfigured to communicate via one or more wireless standards such asBluetooth (e.g., short-wavelength, Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) radiowaves in the Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) band from 2.4 to2.485 GHz), near-field communication (NFC), Wi-Fi (e.g., Institute ofElectrical and Electronics Engineers' (IEEE) 802.11 standards), etc. Forexample, wireless connectivity (e.g., RF 900 MHz or Wi-Fi) may beintegrated with the compact battery charger 102 to provide remotemonitoring and control of the compact battery charger 102 via one ormore portable electronic devices 152. Using a wireless device 144, auser may be able to start and/or stop the compact battery charger 102'scharge cycle or otherwise change the settings.

That is, via a communication network and a booster management server, auser may monitor live charging status updates, charging conditions,historic data, remotely update software and firmware, and stay connectedwith the compact battery charger 102 manufacturer's news and updates. Incertain aspects, an internal cellular modem may be implemented thatutilizes standards-based wireless technologies, such as 2G, 3G, 4G, CodeDivision Multiple Access (CDMA), and Global System for MobileCommunications (GSM), to provide wireless data communication overworldwide cellular networks. An advantage of an internal cellular modemis that there is no reliance on a user's local network (e.g., wirelessrouter, modem, etc.), thereby enabling communication between the compactbattery charger 102 and communication network, even in the event of atotal power failure in a user's location.

In certain aspects, a wired link 142 may be provided to managecommunication and/or transmission of signals or data between theprocessor 128 and another device via, for example, a data port 146(e.g., RS-232, USB, and/or Ethernet ports) capable of being wiredlycoupled with another data port 146 positioned outside the compactbattery charger 102 housing. As noted above, a USB port or 12V supplymay be provided as DC output terminals 136 on the charger to facilitatethe charging of accessories, such as portable electronic devices 152.Thus, the compact battery charger's 102 internal battery 150 may also beused as a power source for one or more DC accessories. Charging whileoperating the accessories can extend run time of the compact batterycharger 102, but will also extend recharge time. If the load exceeds thecharging input amperage (e.g., 1 A), however, the accessory beingcharged may discharge the internal battery 150.

The USB port may provide, for example, up to 3.0 A at 5 VDC. To activatethe USB port, a USB power button (or other user selectable element) maybe provided via user interface 138. The USB port may be activated bypressing the USB power button, and disabled by, for example, pressingthe USB power button a second time, two or more times in quicksuccession, or held for a predetermined period of time. The 12 VDC poweroutput may provide, for example, up to 6.0 A a 12 VDC.

The compact battery charger 102 may further comprise a plurality ofsensors to provide measurement data descriptive of the surroundingenvironment. In certain aspects, the USB output may automatically shutoff when no load is detected (e.g., after 5-10 minutes of a no loadstate). The 12 VDC power supply, however, may remain active until thecompact battery charger 102 reaches a low battery state (e.g., theinternal battery 150's charge level is less than a predeterminedthreshold, e.g., number of coulombs). The 12 VDC power supply may beused to supply power to an integrated or remotely situated aircompressor (e.g., for tire inflation) and may further function as amemory saver. The 12 VDC power supply may be limited to 6.0 A with overcurrent protection. In certain aspects, a user may wish to check theinternal battery 150's charge level. To do so, a button (or other userselectable element) may be provided via user interface 138 that causesthe charge level to be displayed on the display device 114. To ensureaccuracy of the measurement, the user may be instructed (e.g., viadisplay device 114) to turn off the compact battery charger 102 beforeactuating the button (or displaying the charge level). In one aspect,the display device 114 can show the internal battery 150's percent ofcharge, or a battery icon indicating the same. For example, the displaydevice 114 may display “100%” (or a solid battery icon) when theinternal battery 150 is fully charged.

The compact battery charger 102 may include a temperature or humiditysensor, or configured to monitor other appliances or devices, eitherdirectly (e.g., using a sensor) or wirelessly (e.g., using Wi-Fi). Forexample, the compact battery charger 102 may be configured to charge andmonitor, in addition to automotive batteries, one or more portableelectronic devices 152 being charged by said compact battery charger102. Another temperature sensor may be provided to measure thetemperature of a battery being charged (e.g., a lithium-ion battery). Ifthe measured temperature deviates from an operating range (i.e., a rangein which the measured value is acceptable), the charging or boostingoperating may be prohibited.

A power management circuit 132 may be used to manage power needed tooperate the compact battery charger 102 (and components thereof), startan engine, and to charge the external battery 104 or other device. Thatis, AC power may be drawn from an AC power supply 148, converted to DCpower, and used to charge external battery 104 and/or internal battery150. For instance, the compact battery charger 102 may be removablycoupled with an AC power supply 148 located outside the housing (e.g., awall outlet) via an AC input terminal 134 and an AC to DC converter. Insuch an example, an AC wall charger may receive 120 VAC from anelectrical wall outlet and output, via an inverter, 12 VDC to thecompact battery charger 102's input socket. When charging, an LED (e.g.,a green LED) may light, and/or the display device 114 may display amessage such as “Charging—[XX]%.” When the charging has completed, theLED may pulse, and/or the display device 114 may display a message suchas “Fully Charged.”

In certain aspects, a Single-Ended Primary-Inductor Converter (SEPIC)circuit 302, in conjunction with an AC to DC converter 314, may be usedto charge the internal battery 150. Generally speaking, a SEPIC circuit302 is a type of DC to DC converter that allows the electrical potential(voltage) at its output to be greater than, less than, or equal to thatat its input. The output of a SEPIC circuit 302 is controlled by theduty cycle of the control transistor. A SEPIC circuit 302 exchangesenergy between capacitors and inductors in order to convert a variableinput voltage to a predetermined output voltage. The amount of energyexchanged is controlled by a switch, which may be a transistor such as aMetal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor (MOSFET). As a result,a SEPIC circuit 302 enables a wide variation in input voltage bothsubstantially higher and lower than nominal battery voltage. Forexample, to charge a 12 volt battery (nominal voltage) to 14.4V, thevariable input voltage can be a voltage from a predetermined range, suchas between 5 VDC to 20 VDC, thereby enabling internal battery 150recharging functionality via a USB port, which is 5 VDC. That is, theinput voltage may not be always known, but the predetermined range maybe known. In certain aspects, the SEPIC circuit 302 may be shut off(e.g., bypassed) to facilitate a higher efficiency charge. For example,if a 20V power supply is used, the compact battery charger 102 maybypass the SEPIC circuit 302, whereas, if 12 VDC power supply (e.g., avehicle charger accessory) is used, the SEPIC circuit 302 may beemployed.

Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 3, a supercapacitor 308, or anotherstorage capacitor, may be used in conjunction with the SEPIC circuit 302to supply a large amount of power that is sufficient time to jump starta vehicle. Supercapacitors 308 are useful in that, unlike batteries,they do not necessarily suffer from ageing and temperature problems.Because the amount of energy in the capacitor is finite, however,supercapacitors 308 are primarily used for engine starting. Yet, when asupercapacitor is simply coupled to a depleted battery, the finiteenergy reserve is drained into the battery, often lowering thesupercapacitor's 308 voltage to a level that cannot start an engine. Ajump starter battery, on the otherhand, can start an engine as it hassufficient current to override the discharging effects of a depletedvehicle battery. In cold weather, however, the peak current that abattery can supply may be limited due to the temperature effecting thechemical reaction inside the jump starter battery. This limit in peakcurrent may be such that the engine may not turn over. Thus, an improvedsystem for starting the vehicle may be jump starter having both aninternal battery 150 and a supercapacitor 308, where the battery cansupplies sufficient current to overcome the effects of the depletedexternal battery 104, while the supercapacitor 308 may supply the peakcurrent.

In general, a supercapacitor 308 can hold a very high charge that can bereleased relatively quickly, thereby making it suitable for jumpstarting a vehicle, since the vehicle cranking operation lasts for avery short period of time during which high cranking power is required.Moreover, supercapacitors 308 are relatively small in size and can beemployed in the compact battery charger 102 to provide sufficientcranking power to jump-start a vehicle. In operation, the SEPIC circuit302 would draw current from the depleted external battery 104, whichwould be used to charge the supercapacitor 308. A small lithium batterymay be used in combination with the supercapacitor to prevent thesupercapacitor 308 from discharging the current back to the depletedexternal battery 104 until the compact battery charger 102 determinesthat the user trying to start the vehicle. Existing supercapacitor jumpstarter systems are deficient because they would require the removal ofone of the external battery 104 connections to prevent the capacitorfrom discharging back into the dead battery. The disclose arrangement,however, obviates the need to disconnect one of the external battery's104 terminals. Thus, in one aspect of the present invention, a compactbattery charger 102 is provided that employs a SEPIC circuit 302 inconjunction with a supercapacitor 308.

An example schematic diagram 300 of a charger having a SEPIC circuit 302in conjunction with a supercapacitor 308 is illustrated in FIG. 3. Asillustrated, DC input power is received from a DC power supply 156 viaDC input terminal 154, or either AC power supply 148 via an AC to DCconverter 314. The DC input power is received by SEPIC circuit 302 andoutput to the internal battery 150 and the supercapacitor 308, inparallel, via an internal battery controller circuit 304 and asupercapacitor controller circuit 306, respectively. The internalbattery controller circuit 304 and a supercapacitor controller circuit306 may be used to monitor the parameters of the internal battery 150and the supercapacitor 308, such as the charge level. Further, internalbattery controller circuit 304 may monitor the temperature of theinternal battery 150. The parameters may be communicated to theprocessor 128, which controlled, inter alia, the battery control relay310, and supercapacitor controller 312.

The supercapacitor 308 and internal battery 150 may receive chargingcurrent from the DC input power. When DC input power is unavailable, forinstance, the supercapacitor 308 may receive charging current fromexternal battery 104 via the supercapacitor controller 312. For example,if an external battery 104 having a nominal voltage of 12 VDC hasdepleted to 6 VDC, the external battery 104 may be unable to start avehicle, but the remaining power may be drawn from the depleted externalbattery 104 to the supercapacitor 308, which could then be used to boostthe vehicle. As noted above, existing supercapacitor-only batteryboosters were required to disconnect one of the external battery's 104terminals so as to avoid premature discharge of the supercapacitor intothe depleted battery. The lithium ion battery, however, may be used tooutput a current to the external battery 104, which may be monitored bythe processor 128. If a drop in current is detected at the DC outputterminal 136, the processor 128 may determines that the user isattempting to start the vehicle and the supercapacitor controller 312may be instructed to electrically couple the supercapacitor 308 to theexternal battery 104 (via DC output terminal 136), thereby causing thesupercapacitor 308 to quickly discharge into the external battery 104,thereby enabling the vehicle to start. The processor 128 may besimilarly configured to control the battery control relay 310, whichenables the internal battery 150 to discharge into the external battery104.

Thus, the internal battery 150 and a supercapacitor 308 can each berecharged by a SEPIC circuit 302, which may any input voltage between,for example, 5 VDC to 20 VDC. The internal battery controller circuit304 recharges the battery inside the compact battery charger 102properly, while a separate supercapacitor controller circuit 306 chargesthe supercapacitor 308. The supercapacitor 308 may also be rechargedfrom the internal battery 150, thereby providing multiple peak currentstarts. The jump starting function is controlled by one or moreprocessors 108 (e.g., a microprocessor(s)) once the jump starter cablesare attached to an external battery 104 and the jump start function isengaged (either manually or automatically) the internal jump starterbattery is connected by a circuit or relay to the vehicle's battery. Theinternal battery 150 transfers energy into the external battery 104 andwhen the vehicle ignition is actuated (e.g., the key is turned, or thestart button is pressed), current drawn from the starter motor willcause a voltage drop across the jump starter connection leads. Thisvoltage drop will be detected by the one or more processors 108, atwhich point the one or more processors 108 will electrically couple thesupercapacitor in parallel with its internal battery 150 to supply thepeak current required to start the engine. If the engine starts, thejump starter function is done and the compact battery charger 102 canrecharge itself (e.g., the internal battery 150 and/or thesupercapacitor 308) from an electrical connection to the vehicle'selectrical system, which may continue until the internal battery 150and/or the supercapacitor 308 are fully charged. Afterwhich the compactbattery charger 102 may shut off its charging function, or the clampsare removed. If the vehicle does not start, once the starter isdisengaged the voltage on the external battery 104 will stabilize andthe supercapacitor 308 will recharge from the internal battery 150 (orany available power from the external battery 104), and prepare for thenext attempt to start the engine, whereby the process is repeated.

There are a number of ways in which the internal battery 150 may becharged. The user may also charge the internal battery 150 while drivingvia the DC input terminal 154 using a 12 VDC car charger that couples tothe cigarette lighter. Accordingly, a 12 VDC input socket may be used torecharge the compact battery charger 102 to a point where the compactbattery charger 102 is charged. The compact battery charger 102 may thenbe used to jump start a vehicle having an external battery 104. Incertain aspects, the compact battery charger 102 may be charged throughthe clamps, which may be retractable and/or configured to be housed in arecess of the compact battery charger 102's housing. For example,charging may be accomplished by leaving the relay closed, therebyallowing the alternator in the vehicle, which can provide up to 70 A, torapidly charge the internal battery 150. Thus, the compact batterycharger 102 may be configured to sense the current in a bidirectionalmanner through the clamps (e.g., (1) to measure current going from thecompact battery charger 102 into the external battery 104, and (2) fromthe external battery 104 into the compact battery charger 102). Toprevent overheating when current is passing into the compact batterycharger 102, a temperature sensor may be coupled to the compact batterycharger 102, whereby the relay is shut off if the compact batterycharger 102, or the internal battery 150, reaches a predeterminedshut-off temperature threshold. Indeed, a benefit of maximizing theamount of current going back into the compact battery charger 102 isthat it yields a faster charge.

In lieu of clamps, the compact battery charger 102's charger cables maybe fixedly coupled to the external battery 104 (e.g., via a bolt andring terminals) and configured to quick connect to compact batterycharger 102 (e.g., using quick connects/disconnect connectors). Incertain instances, the quick connect connectors may not be compatiblewith different devices. For example, a battery maintainer (a/k/a tricklecharger) may use a first type of connector, while a compact batterycharger 102 may use a second type of connector. Such issues are commonbetween different manufacturers. Due to the inconvenience ofdisconnecting and reconnecting the fixedly coupled connections, it maybe advantageous to use a charger cable that fixedly couples to theexternal battery 104 at one end, but provides a plurality of differentconnectors at the second end. For example, the first end may be fixedlycoupled to a battery terminal through the ring terminals, while thesecond end may be provided with two connecters, namely (1) an EC5 (male)connector configured to couple with an EC5 (female) connector of thecompact battery charger 102 and (2) a second (male) connector configuredto couple with a second (female) connector of a batterycharger/maintainer. One or more end caps may be further provided toprotect the unused connector from dirt and debris. Such a charger cablewould be of particular use for vehicles that are not often used andtypically require jump starting. While two connectors are described,such a charger cable need not be limited to two connectors, nor shouldit be limited to the example connector types described.

In another alternative, the entire compact battery charger 102 may bepermanently coupled to an external battery 104 or a vehicle's electricalsystem (e.g., installed under the hood or inside the vehicle). Forexample, the compact battery charger 102 may be fixedly coupled to thevehicle and remotely actuated using a physical button or controller(e.g., one positioned under the hood, on the dashboard, in the glovebox, etc.), or wirelessly. When integrated with the vehicle, the compactbattery charger's 102 housing may be fabricated to mitigate damage fromengine temperature or engine fluids. Wireless control may beaccomplished using, for example, a portable electronic device 152 thatis communicatively coupled to the compact battery charger 102 via acommunication network. For instance, a smart phone may wirelessly send asignal to the compact battery charger 102, either directly or throughthe vehicle's control system, which causes the compact battery charger102 to output boosting energy or charging energy to the external battery104 of the vehicle. The wireless communication may employ one or morewireless standards such as Bluetooth (e.g., short-wavelength, UHF radiowaves in the ISM band from 2.4 to 2.485 GHz), NFC, Wi-Fi (e.g., IEEE802.11 standards), etc. When permanently coupled to the external battery104 or vehicle's electrical system, the compact battery charger 102 maycharge the internal battery 150 when the vehicle is running via thevehicle's electrical system (e.g., 12 VDC supply).

In certain aspects, the supercapacitor 308 may be integrated with thevehicle's electrical system and configured to receive any residual powerfrom the vehicle's accessories for use in jump starting the vehicles.For example, vehicles often have sufficient power to power the vehicle'sentertainment system, but insufficient power to turn over the engine. Inthis example, the power may be diverted from the entertainment system(or other accessory or auxiliary system) at the press of a button andused to charge an integrated supercapacitor, which may be used to jumpstart the vehicle.

In certain aspects, the compact battery charger 102 may employ inductivecharging to facilitate wireless charging of the internal battery 150.For example, the compact battery charger 102 may be placed on acorresponding charging inductor pad to charge the compact batterycharger 102's internal battery 150. In one aspect, the charging inductorpad may comprise an induction coil that creates an alternatingelectromagnetic field from within a charging inductor pad and a secondinduction coil in the compact battery charger 102 that receives powerfrom the electromagnetic field and converts the received power intoelectric current to charge the internal battery 150. The two inductioncoils in proximity combine to form an electrical transformer. Greaterdistances between transmitter and receiver coils can be achieved whenthe inductive charging system uses resonant inductive coupling. Thecoils may be fabricated using a number of materials, such as silverplated copper (or aluminum) to minimize weight and decrease resistanceresulting from the skin effect. The charging inductor pad and thecompact battery charger 102 may operate in compliance with one or morewireless power transfer standards, such as the Power Matters Alliance(PMA) under the IEEE Standards Association (IEEE-SA) IndustryConnections, Rezence, and Qi. The PMA interface standard describesanalog power transfer (inductive and resonant), digital transceivercommunication, cloud based power management, and environmentalsustainability.

Rezence is an interface standard developed by the Alliance for WirelessPower (A4WP) for wireless electrical power transfer based on theprinciples of magnetic resonance. The Rezence system comprises a singlepower transmitter unit (PTU) and one or more power receiver units(PRUs). The interface standard supports power transfer up to 50 Watts,at distances up to 5 centimeters. The power transmission frequency isabout 6.78 MHz, and a plurality of devices can be powered from a singlePTU depending on transmitter and receiver geometry and power levels. Touse the Rezence system, the compact battery charger 102 (i.e., PRU) isplaced on top of the charging inductor pad (i.e., PTU), which chargesthe compact battery charger 102's internal battery 150 via resonantinductive coupling. In addition to power transfer, the Rezence systemmay be used to transfer data from the compact battery charger 102 (e.g.,from the internal data storage device 122) to another device via thecharging inductor pad. There exists, however, overlap between the PMAand Rezence specifications. For instance, PMA adopted the Rezencespecification as the PMA magnetic resonance charging specification forboth transmitters and receivers in both single and multi-modeconfigurations, while Rezence adopted the PMA inductive specification asa supported option for multi-mode inductive, magnetic resonanceimplementations. Akin to Rezence, Qi is an interface standard developedby the Wireless Power Consortium for inductive electrical power transferover distances of up to 4 centimeters. The Qi system comprises a PTU anda PRU. To use the Qi system, the compact battery charger 102 (i.e., PRU)is placed on top of the charging inductor pad (i.e., PTU), which chargesthe compact battery charger 102's internal battery 150 via resonantinductive coupling.

Inductive charging offers advantages to the compact battery charger 102,beyond convenience of use. First, the connections on both the compactbattery charger 102 and charging inductor pad are enclosed; thereforecorrosion is avoided (or mitigated) because any electronic componentsare protected from water and oxygen in the atmosphere. Moreover, tomitigate water damage, the compact battery charger 102's housing may bewaterproof and buoyant to facilitate, for example, marine applications.Second, inductive charging also lends durability to the compact batterycharger 102 because the need to plug and unplug the device is obviated,resulting in significantly less wear and tear on the socket of thedevice and the attaching cable.

In certain aspects, the compact battery charger 102 may employ solarcells to facilitate a charging of the internal battery 150 and/orsupercapacitor 308. The solar cell may be provided as a separate solarcell panel, or integrated with the compact battery charger 102. Forexample, solar cells may be positioned on an exterior surface of thecompact battery charger's 102 housing or, when integrated with avehicle, the solar cell may be positioned on the vehicle, such as theroof, hood, trunk, windows, etc.

The compact battery charger 102's housing may further comprise a metal(e.g., aluminum) plate on a back side to facilitate exterior warming ofthe interior battery 150 via the user's hand. Conversely, a button maybe provided on the user interface 138 that causes power to be divertedfrom the interior battery 150 to a heating apparatus, such as a flexibleheater. Flexible heaters can conform to a surface, such as a the compactbattery charger 102. Example flexible heaters include silicone rubberheaters, polyimide film heaters, heating tapes, etc. Suitable flexibleheaters include, for example, polyimide film insulated flexible heaters,such as those available from OMEGA Engineering Inc, and Kapton heaters(a form of ultra-thin, ultra-flexible, semitransparent, lightweightheaters), such as those available from Bucan Electric Heating DevicesInc.

The DC power may be output to the external battery 104 or other devicesby way of a DC output terminal 136 (e.g., battery terminalcables/clamps). Thus, power management circuit 132 and processor 128 maycontrol the charging operation of the external battery 104 to providecharging, maintaining, and, in certain embodiments, the jump startfunction. Further, power management circuit 132 and processor 128 mayfacilitate reverse hook-up protection, as well as automatic nominalbattery voltage detection. While the power management circuit 132 andprocessor 128 are illustrated as separate components, one of skill inthe art would appreciate that power management functionality (e.g.,battery charging, battery maintaining, etc.) may be provided as a singlecomponent that combines the functionality of the power managementcircuit 132 and processor 128.

The output power may be controlled by software (e.g., via a relay,MOSFET, and/or a silicon-controlled rectifier). The output power may becontrolled using one or more parameters, such as maximum current overtime, maximum temperature of battery, maximum time alone and/or minimumvoltage (with or without time). Thus, when a parameter value is exceeded(or a requirement isn't met), the output voltage may be shut off. Thecompact battery charger 102 may include the ability to sense, orotherwise detect, that a battery (or other load/power supply) is coupledto the clamps. When a battery is not detected, the power may be shutoff; however, the user may be provided with a manual override option(e.g., by holding a button for a predetermined amount of time, such as 2to 10 seconds, or about 5 seconds). In certain aspects, the compactbattery charger 102 may not charge an external battery 104 when theexternal battery 104 is too hot or cold, thereby avoiding potentialhazards and maintaining efficiency.

The compact battery charger 102 may further include the ability to sensethe occurrence of a manual override, and, if voltage is still 0 afterengine start, the user may be instructed to check and replace thevehicle battery. Further, an automatic shut-off function may be providedif a battery/load/power supply is not attached to the clamps within apredetermined amount of time (e.g., about 1 to 60 minutes, morepreferably about 5 to 30 minutes, most preferably about 15 minutes). Thecompact battery charger 102 may further preheat a cold battery by, forexample, running amperes though the battery, or an internal heater. Thecompact battery charger 102 may further employ alternate power sources,such as a solar panel to enable battery maintaining and charging, aswell as data monitoring through solar panels (e.g., one or more 12-14Watt panels). For example, solar cells may be used to charge or maintainfleet vehicles, such as vehicle dealership fleets, rental vehiclesfleets, etc.

To use the jump start function, the DC output terminal 136 may becoupled to the external battery 104 (i.e., the battery to becharged/jumped, whether directly or indirectly) and the user interface138 may be used to activate the boost feature. If the compact batterycharger 102 is being charged when the jump start function is selected,the display device 114 may indicate that the jump start function cannotbe performed while the compact battery charger 102 is charging. If theclamps are improperly connected (e.g., reverse polarity ordisconnected), an aural alarm may sound, and the display device 114 maydisplay a warning message, such as “Warning—Reverse Polarity” or“Warning—Battery Disconnected.” Conversely, if the clamps are properlyconnected and the compact battery charger 102 is ready for use, thedisplay device 114 may display a standby message, such as “Jump StartReady.”

If the compact battery charger 102's jump start function is attemptedtwice within a predetermined time period (e.g., a minute), the jumpstart function may be prohibited until the compact battery charger 102has cooled down. During the cool down period, the display device 114 maydisplay a cool down message, which may also indicate the remaining timefor the cool down period.

If the external battery 104's voltage is too low for the compact batterycharger 102 to detect that the clamps are connected, a manual startprocedure (e.g., the manual override) may be selected to enable the jumpstart function. To use the manual start procedure, the DC outputterminal 136 may be coupled to the external battery 104 and the userinterface 138 may be used to activate the boost feature. For example,the same button may be used to trigger the jump start function, butinstead of a momentary press, the button may be pressed and held for apredetermined period of time (e.g., about 2 to 10 seconds, morepreferably about 5 seconds) until the display device 114 displays thestandby message. In certain aspects, the manual start procedure mayoverride safety features to ensure that power is delivered regardless ofconnection status. Accordingly, the compact battery charger 102 mayenergize the clamps and cause sparking if they are touched together(i.e., shorted).

FIG. 2 illustrates a flow diagram 200 of an example method for providingthe jump start function using a compact battery charger 102. The processstarts at step 202, which may be initiated by the user actuating a jumpstart function button on the user interface 138. At step 204, thecompact battery charger 102's processor 128 determines, using one ormore sensors, whether the temperature of the internal battery 150 iswithin an operating range. For example, if the temperature of theinternal battery 150 exceeds a first predetermined shut-off temperaturethreshold, a warning is provided at step 220 indicating that theinternal battery 150 is too hot. Similarly, if the temperature of theinternal battery 150 does not meet a first predetermined shut-offtemperature threshold, a warning is provided at step 220 indicating thatthe internal battery 150 is too cold. Otherwise, the process proceeds tothe next step.

At step 206, the compact battery charger 102's processor 128 determineswhether the state of charge for the internal battery 150 is within anoperating range. For example, if the internal battery 150's state ofcharge does not meet a predetermined charge level threshold, a warningis provided at step 220 indicating that the internal battery 150 is notadequately charged. Otherwise, the process proceeds to the next step.

At step 208, the compact battery charger 102's processor 128 determineswhether the internal battery 150 is being charged. If the internalbattery 150's is being charged, a warning is provided at step 220indicating that the internal battery 150 is being charged and cannot beused to provide the jump start function. Otherwise, the process proceedsto the next step.

At step 210, the compact battery charger 102's processor 128 determineswhether an external battery 104 is coupled to the compact batterycharger 102 (e.g., via clamps coupled to the DC output terminal 136). Ifno external battery 104 is detected (e.g., by measuring a voltage orresistance across the battery terminals), a warning is provided at step220 indicating that the external battery 104 is not detected. Otherwise,the process proceeds to the next step.

At step 212, the compact battery charger 102's processor 128 determineswhether an accessory is currently coupled to, or otherwise using, thecompact battery charger 102 (e.g., via DC output terminal 136 or an ACoutput terminal). If an accessory is detected (e.g., by detecting a loador other current draw at an output terminal), a warning is provided atstep 220 indicating that the internal battery 150 is in use and cannotbe used to provide the jump start function. Otherwise, the processproceeds to the next step.

At step 214, the compact battery charger 102's processor 128 determineswhether an external battery 104 is properly coupled to the compactbattery charger 102. If a reverse polarity condition is detected for theexternal battery 104, a warning is provided at step 220 indicating thatthe external battery 104 is improperly connected. Otherwise, the processproceeds to the next step.

At step 216, the compact battery charger 102's processor 128 determineswhether the compact battery charger 102 is in a cool down period. Forexample, as noted above, if the compact battery charger 102's jump startfunction is attempted twice within a predetermined time period (e.g., aminute), the jump start function may be prohibited until the compactbattery charger 102 has cooled down (i.e., the predetermine time periodhas elapsed). Accordingly, if the jump start function has been performedwithin a predetermined period of time, a warning is provided at step 220indicating a cool down message, which may also indicate the remainingtime for the cool down period. After the predetermined time period haselapsed at step 222 (e.g., using a timer), the process may proceed tothe next step.

At step 218, the compact battery charger 102 is ready to perform thejump start function, whereby boosting energy may be output to theexternal battery 104 upon actuating the jump start function button onthe user interface 138, or automatically. The boosting energy may beprovided for a predetermined period of time, before shutting off. Forexample, the boosting energy may be provided for 1 to 60 seconds, morepreferably 5 to 30 seconds.

A warning may be provided at step 220 via one or more of a displaydevice 114, a speaker 124, or to another device (e.g., a portableelectronic device 152) via a communication network. The message mayindicate to the user one or more statuses/conditions of the internalbattery 150, external battery 104, and/or of the compact battery charger102, such as those illustrated in Table A.

At step 224, the process may be reset such that the process is repeated.The reset feature may be manually triggered (e.g., via a button) orautomatically once a predetermined condition is met. For example, if thetemperature of the internal battery 150 is outside of the operatingrange, the system may be automatically reset once the temperature of theinternal battery 150 returns to the operating range. If a reset is notselected at step 224, the processed exits at step 226.

In certain aspects, a manual override option may be selected (e.g., atany time) that causes the compact battery charger 102 to proceed to step218, the compact battery charger 102 is ready to perform the jump startfunction, regardless of the status of the internal battery 150, externalbattery 104, or of the compact battery charger 102. Further, the compactbattery charger 102's processor 128 determines whether the voltage ofthe internal battery 150 or the external battery 104 exceeds apredetermined threshold, in which case charging and/or boosting isprohibited to prevent overcharging.

The above-cited patents and patent publications are hereby incorporatedby reference in their entirety. Although various embodiments have beendescribed with reference to a particular arrangement of parts, features,and the like, these are not intended to exhaust all possiblearrangements or features, and indeed many other embodiments,modifications, and variations will be ascertainable to those of skill inthe art. Thus, it is to be understood that the invention may thereforebe practiced otherwise than as specifically described above.

1. A compact battery booster comprising: a processor; a display deviceoperatively coupled to the processor, wherein the display device isconfigured to display a status of the compact battery booster; a storagecapacitor and an internal lithium ion battery, each of said storagecapacitor and said internal lithium ion battery being rated to jumpstart a vehicle coupled to an external battery; a direct current (DC)output terminal configured to electrically couple with the externalbattery; a single-ended primary-inductor converter configured to receivea variable input voltage between 5 volts DC and 20 volts DC and tooutput a predetermined charge voltage to said storage capacitor and saidinternal lithium ion battery; a reverse polarity sensor operativelycoupled to the processor, the reverse polarity sensor configured todetect a polarity of said external battery, a temperature sensoroperatively coupled to the processor, the temperature sensor configuredto detect a temperature of said internal lithium ion battery; a voltagesensor operatively coupled to the processor, the voltage sensorconfigured to detect a voltage of said internal lithium ion battery; anda power management circuit operatively coupled to each of the processor,the storage capacitor, and the internal lithium ion battery, wherein thepower management circuit is configured to provide a boosting energy tothe vehicle via the DC output terminal.
 2. The compact battery boosterof claim 1, wherein the storage capacitor is a supercapacitor.
 3. Thecompact battery booster of claim 1, wherein the storage capacitor drawsa charging current from the external battery.
 4. A compact batterycharger comprising: an internal lithium ion battery, said internallithium ion battery being rated 3,000 mAh or more; a processoroperatively coupled with (1) a reverse polarity sensor configured todetect a polarity of the external batter, (2) a temperature sensorconfigured to detect a temperature of said internal lithium ion battery,and (3) a voltage sensor configured to detect a voltage of said internallithium ion battery; a display device operatively coupled to theprocessor, wherein the display device displays a status of the compactbattery charger; a direct current (DC) output terminal, wherein the DCoutput terminal is configured to couple with the external battery; asingle-ended primary-inductor converter configured to receive an inputvoltage within predetermined input voltage range and to output apredetermined charge voltage to said internal lithium ion battery; and apower management circuit operatively coupled to the processor and theinternal lithium ion battery, the power management circuit configured toprovide a predetermined output energy to said external battery via theDC output terminal.
 5. The compact battery charger of claim 4, furthercomprising a supercapacitor, wherein the single-ended primary-inductorconverter charges the supercapacitor.
 6. The compact battery charger ofclaim 4, further comprising a supercapacitor, wherein the supercapacitordraws current from the external battery to charge the supercapacitor. 7.The compact battery charger of claim 4, wherein the predetermined inputvoltage range is 5 volts to 20 volts.
 8. The compact battery charger ofclaim 4, wherein the predetermined charge voltage is greater than theinput voltage.
 9. The compact battery charger of claim 4, wherein thepredetermined output energy is a boosting energy for starting an enginecoupled to the external battery.
 10. The compact battery charger ofclaim 4, wherein the predetermined output energy is a charging energyfor charging the external battery.
 11. (canceled)
 12. The compactbattery charger of claim 4, further comprising a removable internal datastorage device.
 13. The compact battery charger of claim 4, furthercomprising an internal induction coil, wherein the internal inductioncoil receives energy from an electromagnetic field created by anexternal induction coil and converts the electromagnetic field toproduce the input voltage.
 14. The compact battery charger of claim 4,further comprising a second DC output terminal, wherein the DC outputterminal provides a boosting energy for starting an engine coupled tothe external battery, and wherein the second DC output terminal providesa charging energy to a portable electronic device.
 15. The compactbattery charger of claim 14, wherein said second DC output terminal is aUniversal Serial Bus (USB) port.
 16. The compact battery charger ofclaim 4, wherein the display device enters into a sleep mode after apredetermined time period of inactivity.
 17. The compact battery chargerof claim 4, wherein the DC output terminal runs a predetermined currentthrough the external battery to preheat the external battery.
 18. Thecompact battery charger of claim 4, further comprising a DC toalternating current (AC) converter coupled between the internal lithiumion battery and an AC output terminal.
 19. The compact battery chargerof claim 4, further comprising an internal data storage device, whereinthe internal data storage device backs up digital content stored to aportable electronic device via a USB port.
 20. A compact battery chargercomprising: an internal lithium ion battery; a direct current (DC)output terminal, wherein the DC output terminal is configured to couplewith an external battery; an internal induction coil, wherein theinternal induction coil receives energy from an electromagnetic fieldcreated by an external induction coil and converts the electromagneticfield to produce an input voltage; a DC to DC converter that receivesthe input voltage and outputs a predetermined charge voltage to saidinternal lithium ion battery; and a power management circuit operativelycoupled to the internal lithium ion battery, a reverse polarity sensor;a temperature sensor, and a voltage sensor configured to detect avoltage of said internal lithium ion battery, wherein the powermanagement circuit is configured to electrically couple the DC outputterminal with said internal lithium ion battery, thereby providing apredetermined output energy from said internal lithium ion battery tosaid external battery.
 21. The compact battery charger of claim 20,further comprising a removable data storage device.
 22. The compactbattery charger of claim 20, wherein the predetermined output energy isa boosting energy for starting an engine coupled to the externalbattery.
 23. The compact battery charger of claim 20, wherein thepredetermined output energy is a charging current for charging theexternal battery.
 24. The compact battery charger of claim 17, whereinthe DC output terminal runs the predetermined current through theexternal battery for a predetermined period of time.
 25. The compactbattery charger of claim 17, wherein the DC output terminal runs thepredetermined current through the external battery until the externalbattery reaches a predetermined temperature.
 26. The compact batterycharger of claim 4, wherein the power management circuit selectivelyprovides the boosting energy to the DC output terminal as a function ofan output from at least one of the reverse polarity sensor, thetemperature sensor, or the voltage sensor.
 27. The compact batterycharger of claim 4, wherein the internal lithium ion battery is ratedbetween 3,000 mAh and 20,000 mAh.
 28. An apparatus for charging orstarting a vehicle, the apparatus comprising: a lithium ion battery; aset of output terminals, wherein the set of output terminals isconfigured to couple with a vehicular battery; a processor operativelycoupled with a reverse polarity sensor configured to detect a polarityacross said set of output terminals, a voltage sensor configured todetect a voltage of said lithium ion battery, and a temperature sensorconfigured to detect a temperature of said lithium ion battery; and apower management circuit operatively coupled with the processor and withsaid lithium ion battery, the power management circuit being configuredto provide a predetermined output energy to said set of outputterminals.
 29. The apparatus of claim 28, further comprising asupercapacitor configured to jump start a vehicle, wherein thesupercapacitor draws current from the external battery to charge thesupercapacitor.
 30. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the lithium ionbattery is rated between 10,000 mAh and 20,000 mAh.
 31. The apparatus ofclaim 28, further comprising a single-ended primary-inductor converterconfigured to receive an input voltage within predetermined inputvoltage range and to output a predetermined charge voltage to saidlithium ion battery.